Warehouse steps and ladders are a must-have for any workspace dealing with products, supplies, or materials. But with so many different types of ladders on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for your application.
Whether you’re looking for something lightweight and easy to use or something more substantial and durable, there’s a ladder out there to fit your needs. This article will explore the key factors you should consider when choosing the right warehouse ladder for your setup.
What are warehouse steps?
Warehouse steps and ladders come in various shapes and sizes, each designed for a specific purpose. The most common type of warehouse ladder is the rolling mobile access ladder, which is perfect for accessing tall shelves and racks. Rolling ladders have a platform at the top that allows you to stand safely while reaching for items, and they can be easily rolled around the warehouse floor.
Another popular type of warehouse ladder is the fixed ladder, which is mounted to the wall or ceiling and cannot be moved. Fixed ladders are ideal for accessing hard-to-reach areas or for performing tasks that require both hands, such as painting or repairs.
When choosing warehouse steps or ladders, selecting one made from high-quality materials with a weight capacity that meets your needs is essential. You should also ensure that the ladder you choose is rated for use in industrial environments and that it has safety features like non-slip steps and handrails.
The different types of warehouse steps and ladders
There are many different types of warehouse ladders, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common types are:
1. Mobile access steps
Mobile Access Steps are designed for convenient and safe use. They are constructed with a welded steel tube and bar, ensuring durability and stability. These steps come equipped with two handles at the front fitted with knuckle guard handgrips, providing a secure grip for lifting and moving. The steps are mounted on two rear steel-centred wheels with rubber tires and roller bearings, making them easy to manoeuvre. The Expamet mesh treads and large working platform make these steps ideal for outdoor work. They are manufactured in the UK to all BS Standards, ensuring they meet the highest quality and safety standards.
2. Mobile Steel Kick Step
The Mobile Steel Kick Step is a high-quality metal step stool that is an essential accessory for store rooms, offices, and workshops. It is designed with non-slip rubber treads, providing a safe and stable surface for users. The retractable spring-mounted castors make it easy to move the step stool around, ensuring it can be easily accessed. The black finish gives the step stool a modern and professional look, making it suitable for use in any setting. This mobile steel kick step is a convenient and practical tool that can be used in a variety of settings to provide a safe and secure step-up when needed.
3. The Industrial Mobile Access Steps Truck/Dock Platform
This is a safe and efficient solution for accessing trucks, docks, and other elevated areas. With a 48-degree slope, it provides extra safety and comfort for users. The design allows users to descend the steps facing forward, making it a user-friendly option. The steps are constructed with welded steel tubes and bar, ensuring durability and stability. It is fitted with a hand lock anchorage for added safety. The front feet are fitted with protective plastic floor pads, ensuring that the platform does not damage the floor. The steps are mounted on two front swivel castors with 100mm diameter rubber tire wheels with roller bearings, and two rear axle-mounted 200mm wheels with rubber tires and roller bearings, making it easy to move and manoeuvre. The steps feature Expamet mesh steps and come in a red epoxy paint or full galvanized finish, ideal for outdoor use. Made in the UK, these industrial mobile access steps are manufactured to the highest standards, ensuring a high-quality and reliable product.
4. The Classic Mobile Access Steps
These are a high-quality and reliable options for accessing elevated areas. With all-welded steel construction, made in the UK, ensuring the highest standards of quality. The steps are fitted with dome-covered, spring-loaded 50mm swivel castors; they retract when weight is applied, providing firm contact with the floor. In addition, the steps feature a continuous guard rail around the top platform for added safety. There is a choice of colors, as well as a choice of ribbed rubber or anti-slip tread on the steps, allowing users to select the option that best suits their needs. The Classic Mobile Access warehouse Steps Range 3 Tread is a safe and reliable solution for accessing elevated areas.
What to consider when choosing warehouse steps and ladders
When it comes to choosing the right warehouse ladders, there are a few things you need to take into consideration.
Here are a few factors to keep in mind when making your decision:
The height of the shelves in your warehouse:
You’ll need to ensure that the ladder you choose is tall enough to reach the top of the highest shelf in your warehouse.
The width of the shelves in your warehouse:
You’ll also need to ensure that the ladder you choose is wide enough to safely span the width of the widest shelf in your warehouse.
The weight capacity of the ladders or steps:
Make sure that the ladder you choose can safely support the weight of both the person using it and any materials they may be carrying.
The type of material you’ll be using the ladder for:
If you’re only going to be using the ladder for light tasks, such as reaching items on high shelves, a lightweight aluminium ladder may be all you need. However, if you’re using the ladder for heavier tasks, such as moving boxes or barrels, you’ll need a sturdier ladder made from steel or fibreglass.
How to use warehouse steps and ladders safely
When it comes to safety in the warehouse, ladders are often overlooked.
To help keep you safe when using warehouse ladders, we’ve put together some tips:
Inspect your ladder before each use – look for any damage or lose parts that could cause a problem.
Make sure the ladder is on a level and stable surface before climbing – no one wants to fall off a ladder because it is on an uneven surface!
Wear appropriate shoes – avoid slippery shoes or sandals that could cause you to lose your footing.
Use the three-point rule – always have two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, on the ladder at all times. This will help you maintain your balance.
Don’t reach too far – overreaching is one of the most common causes of ladder accidents. If you can’t reach something without leaning too far to the side, get down and reposition the ladder. It’s not worth risking your safety!
Conclusion – How to Choose the Right Warehouse Steps and Ladders
When choosing the right warehouse ladders, it is important to consider your needs and the type of environment you will be using them. Make sure that you also look at safety features like anti-slip feet and handrails before selecting a ladder for your warehouse. With these tips in mind, you should now be able to find the perfect ladder for any situation. Whether it’s a temporary solution or something more permanent, make sure that whatever ladder you choose has been designed with safety as its top priority.